July 2020 Jisu Jaher, Dudhani, Dumka - 814 101 No. 509 Fr Provincial’s Message Diaconate Ordination Dear Friends, July is a special month We are delighted to share the joy of diaconate for us Jesuits because of the coming ordination of our companion Sch Shailen Minj SJ held feast of St Ignatius. Though we have on 20 June 2020 in St Ignatius Church, Paris, France. decided to celebrate the feast of St The 11 Deacons ordained here belonged to 11 different Ignatius in a grand manner to let St Ignatius be widely Provinces from different parts of the world. 4 of the known and be venerated, it is not possible this year 11 Deacons were from four Indian Provinces: one each due to the pandemic. Yet, we have to find means to from Dumka, Ranchi, Kohima, and Chennai. Others keep this month as the month St Ignatius and promote belonged to France, Egypt, United States, Congo, devotion to him in ways that each community must Autriche, Madagascar and Central Africa. The sanitary discern and decide. I would like each community to conditions which applied in the context of Covid-19 have a day of recollection in the beginning of the month in the world this year marked this ordination as well. to discern ways to celebrate this month honouring our Following the strict health protection measures, the Founder. proceedings of the ordination and the Eucharistic After the community recollection, please share your celebration were meaningfully carried out. His reflections with the Province so that the whole Excellency, Rev. Philippe Marsset, the Auxiliary Province knows what is being done in each Bishop of Paris presided over the celebration. Under community. Neighbouring community members could the sanitary instructions, each Deacon could invite a come together for some of the events in order to make maximum of eight persons for the Eucharistic it a Province affair. Let the Socius know about each celebration and ten persons for the fellowship meal community’s plans so that he could inform the in their respective communities. Province about it. Let us celebrate our Founder’s month with the faithful and people of good will in order to get more blessings through his intercession. Let us also pray through the intercession of St Ignatius for the world affected by this pandemic so that the world may get rid of it and people may be blessed with good health. HAPPY FEAST OF ST IGNATIUS! Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN) After the Eucharistic celebration the Deacons with Holy Father’s Intention for July 2020: For their invitees continued their felicitation and Families: We pray that today’s families may be fellowship meals in their respective communities. accompanied with love, respect and guidance. Deacon Shailen Minj, along with his three ordained Dumka-Raiganj Province companions of his community, was joyfully felici- facing. The method that followed was spiritual tated by the community members, friends and invitees conversation. After that the Superiors were divided in the community of Saint Jean de Brébeuf.The mem- into two groups to discuss and to suggest practical bers of the community composed a beautiful song with ways of meeting the challenges head on. The two the words suited for the occasion. A Santali song by groups, then, came together to present their reports Schs Manoj Soren, Vinay Besra, Pradeep Albuquer- for further clarification of the issues. The meeting que and Joseph Soren added more colour to the joy- concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided over by ful atmosphere. (Sch Joseph Soren SJ & Compan- the Provincial, Fr Varghese Palli SJ. ions). Young Priests’ Meet First Vows The threat of coronavirus has the whole world on Four of our Novices pronounced their First Vows on pause. It is an uncertain and worrisome time for many, 21 June 2020. Novice David Kujur who completed but it is also a good time to take to pray, pause, and his novitiate in Kolkata, and Novices Paulus Tala reflect. Hence as many as fifteen of us, young priests, Marandi and Stephen Murmu who did their novitiate gathered together in Jisu Jaher on 30 June to spend a at Jamshedpur made their profession in Kolkata. Both day in recollection, and prayer, indulging in spiritual along with other novice-companions from Jamshedpur conversations. Fr Provincial in his introductory talk, novitiate got stuck in Kolkata where they had gone proposed for our prayer and reflection the following for their hospital experiment due to lockdown. Hence, soul-searching questions – 1) What has religious they joined the Kolkata Novices for their retreat and priesthood meant to me during these years after my final vows. Novice Vinod Tudu made his profession ordination? 2) How have I lived my priesthood in my in Lucknow novitiate. Congratulations and Prayerful life as a Jesuit? 3) What are the struggles I go through Wishes to the four of you as you prepare yourselves in being faithful to the call as a Jesuit priest? 4) How for your further Formation in the Society of Jesus! do I move ahead in spite of all the struggles and Superiors’ Meeting anxieties? 5) What do I have to share with my Superiors’ Meeting was held on 11-12 June 2020 at companions about my life and mission? All of us Jisu Jaher, Dudhani, Dumka. Prior to the meeting, the shared our joys and sorrows, ups and downs of our local communities had conducted a general sharing priestly life and mission. During the sharing at times based on Fr General’s letter on “Care in the we felt like laughing and smiling and at times we felt Governance of life-mission of the Society” but with like crying for our companions. All of us expressed a focus on “Openness at All Levels.” A report of this that it was a very personal, touching and inspiring meeting had been submitted to Fr Provincial. In the spiritual conversation despite the clock ticking away. Superiors’ meeting certain issues from this report We, the fifteen young Jesuit NAEKEKO, also shared were taken up for further discussion and sharing. The how we fruitfully spent our time during these lockdown meeting began with a prayer after which each days. Most of us shared how we were busy with the Superior presented a report on what is being done relief work and service to the migrant workers and by his community in response to Covid-19 pandemic. the local poor people. The recollection ended with After that Fr Provincial gave to the Superiors a some concluding constructive remarks and collated report of the issues suggested by the local encouraging words of blessings by Fr Provincial. The communities. The Superiors’ group then spent 45 concelebration of the Holy Eucharist was presided minutes in adoration, following which each one spent over by Fr Vimal Shishir Kerketta SJ. (Fr Ravindra some time by himself praying, reading the collated Darshima SJ). report, sensing the challenges that emerged as a result Online Classes and Activities and then prioritizing them one by one. Amidst the crisis created by the Covid-19 Pandemic The next day, they came together for a group sharing in each and every sector of life, one of the most badly on what went on within them as they were going affected areas has been the Academic life and learning. through the list of challenges that the Province is In the early stage of this unwelcome ‘guest’ the Dumka-Raiganj Province 2 academic factor had been almost completely forgot- has been extremely dedicated and active in promot- ten or undervalued amidst the fervent attempts to save ing, monitoring and guiding the entire process with lives and choosing one’s essentials for existence. As his vision and experience and has stood firm as a men- humans and humanity is trying to settle back to nor- tor and parent for all in these times of academic un- malcy having accepted the impossibility of the certainty. Amidst various speculations and updates pandemic’s complete removal in the near future, the coming from the UGC and the University, the college undeniable necessity for education as one of the most is continuously planning for new and innovative ways important components of daily life has struck as a to maintain and enrich the academic atmosphere for matter to be addressed without fail. News and up- the days to come. (Mr Himadhri). dates about online teaching are coming from all Covid-19 Awareness March around the globe with maximum institutions being un- The historical event ‘Santal Hul’ (Santal Rebellion able to implement it with complete success due to 1855), paved the way for the Santal Parganas Tenancy technical glitches. Amidst such attempts going on Act, 1876. Sidu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu along with everywhere, St Xavier’s College, Maharo, has ac- 30000 people shed their blood during the Santal Hul. commodated the online teaching method with suc- To celebrate this memorable event in a more cess from the very early phase of the lockdown since meaningful way Gota Bharath Sidu-Kanhu Hul Baisi the end of March. At present, it is the only college of and Johar Human Resources Development Centre its affiliated university (SKMU, Dumka) to have organized Covid-19 Awareness March from Dumka online classes and activities whereas the rest of the to Bhognadih, the birth place of Sidu-Kanhu. colleges would be commencing their sessions from The three-day Covid-19 Awareness March from August. All the departments of St Xavier’s are con- Dumka to Bhognadih was flagged off by Smt ducting classes on a regular basis using various online Rajeshwari B., the Deputy Commissioner of Dumka, tools available on the internet and social media and and Shri Amber Lakra, the Superintendent of Police offering note-scripts, audio-visual lectures and e- of Dumka, on 28 June 2020 near Sidu-Kanhu Statue at contents as well as simultaneously conducting assess- Pokra Chowk, Dumka. The DC of Dumka, in her ments of students at regular intervals. Besides, the speech hailed the martyrdom of the great leaders Sidu- college has been encouraging national and interna- Kanhu and others during the Santal Rebellion 1855. tional level webinars having organized several such She invited the people to protect their land and Nature, events already. The departments of BCA, BBA and and be aware of the environmental conditions. Shri English have organized webinars with international Amber Lakra, the SP of Dumka, praised the brave act delegates as speakers and participants whereas other of Sidu-Kanhu and others in bringing the S. P.T. Act, departments have scheduled similar online events of 1876. academic enrichment for the days to come. The NSS (National Service Scheme) unit has been equally ac- For the Covid-19 Awareness March from Dumka to tive during the lockdown and has organized all its Bhognadih, 21 participants were given permission by scheduled programs online, International Yoga Day the DC of Dumka. All of them including Fr Marianus being the latest one. The college has also been very Minj SJ and Fr Vernard Antony SJ actively participated active in the University level events such as Hul in it all the 3 days. Masks were distributed, Sanitizers Diwas where in the students participated enthusias- were used and social distancing was kept throughout tically in all the online competitions in large num- the programme and the Awareness March. bers. The faculty members have been very active and The participants used various means to communicate sincere in managing the online classes as well as in the message of awareness. Posters carrying safety conducting co-curricular activities throughout this measures to be followed by the people during the entire period where students have been displaying Corona Days on Covid-19 and Jharkhand their very best cooperation, diligence and passion Government’s three Schemes for the migrants were for learning. The Principal, Rev. Fr Stephen Raj SJ, tied to the vehicles. Recorded audio messages along

Dumka-Raiganj Province 3 with songs were played throughout the Awareness March. Leaflets on Jharkhand Governments’ Schemes for the Migrants were distributed. The group paid homage to Sidu-Kanhu and Tilka Manjhi in different places during the Awareness March. The group also interacted with the people in different places. On reaching Barheit on 30th June, Fr Vernard Anthony and four other persons from the group were chosen to go to Bhognadih village, with the permission from the village and police authorities, to meet and to console the family of Mr Rameswar Murmu of happy memory who had died a few days earlier. (Fr Vernard Antony SJ). 2. The stranded people of Disneyland Mela were Reaching Out to the Needy provided with rice, dal, potatoes and onions for the In the month of June, St Xavier’s School, Sahibganj, second time. Recently they left leave Sahibganj for continued to cater to the home returning migrant their native places. workers. Almost every day morning at 4:30 am 3. Gypsies living on railway platforms were also reached out by our Fr Xavier and Volunteers with food provisions. Recently their temporary shelters have been demolished by the railway authorities. 4. On 7th June our team, with Fr Xavier at the helm distributed food provisions to 45 glass factory workers who landed from Pondicherry. It is to be noted that most of the distribution was done directly to the beneficiaries. (Mr Shyamal Palmer). Felicitation at Johar Johar Human Resources Development Centre and Gota Bharath Sidu-Kanhu Hul Baisi jointly welcomed Fr J.L. Xavier SJ drove out of the School Campus and felicitated the newly appointed Vice Chancellor with his team of teacher volunteers in search of the of Sidu-Kanhu University, Dr Sonajharia Minz in migrants on the roads. The food provisions that were Johar on 21 June 2020. She in her speech highlighted distributed were the same, namely, sattu, beaten rice, the need to make space personally in our work place. onions, chilli, jaggery, biscuits, masks and water bottles. Often these migrants would try to avoid Fr Xavier & Co out of fear. The following are some of the important events during the distribution: 1. On 2nd June early in the morning our team discovered on the road a big group of migrants coming from Behrampur (Murshidabad, West Bengal) and heading towards Bhagalpur (Bihar) on foot. Fully exhausted, these poor shabby migrants were stopped by our team and were provided with food and water. Fr Xavier, with the help of the SDO of Sahibganj, This program was very successful as there were 27 made an arrangement to reach them up to participants from different walks of life such as doc- Mirzachowki by bus. tors, professors, priests, teachers, social activists and Dumka-Raiganj Province 4 students who made their contribution through their there. Fr Sebastian Tudu SJ feels much better as he active interaction with the new VC, Dr Minz. Fr continues his physiotherapy at AHCC, Kalidanga. Fr Marianus Minj SJ, the Director of Johar HRD Centre, E.V. Mathew SJ is suffering from sciatica pain and during his vote of thanks, briefed her about the various is having physiotherapy at AHCC, Kalidanga. Frs activities the Johar conducts. Thomas Kavala SJ, Samuel Marandi SJ, Dominic The Delighted Dr Sonajharia Minz told Fr Vernard Marandi SJ and Peter Savari SJ were admitted in Anthony SJ after the programme: “Thank you Father. St Luke’s Hospital, Dakaita. Much prayer is needed to cultivate a work culture Rest in Peace! based on God’s Kingdom Values. Truth, Justice and Fr S.M. Xavier Irudayaraj SJ (MDU, 79/61) on Righteousness can only be established with humility 16.06.2020 at Beschi Illam, Dindigul, Tamilnadu. and love. Kindly uphold me in your prayers.” (Fr Fr Marcus Murmu SJ (DUM, 63/38) on 20.06.202 Vernard Antony SJ). in St Ursula Hospital, Dumka, Jharkhand. Left the Society Mrs Jagrani Minj, aged 59, Sister-in-Law of Fr Sch Raphael Tigga on 22.06.2020 Philomen Minj SJ, on 22.06.2020 in Bhopal, Madhya Santali Video Song on Santal Hul Pradesh. On the occasion of the celebration of 165th year of Fr Joseph L. Pragasam SJ (MDU, 83/64) on Santal Hul (Santal Rebellion), Xavier 03.07.2020 at Saravana Hospital, Madurai, Communications Centre (XCC), Johar, Dumka, along Tamilnadu. with Kia Jharna Ari Chali Aakhra, Kukurtoppa, Fr Paul Jackson SJ (HAZ/PAT, 83/64) on uploaded a Hul Santali Video Song ‘Mayam Te Tol 05.07.2020 at Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Patna, SantalPargana’ (Santal Parganas made out of Blood) Bihar. in the YouTube. Lyrics and Direction of this video Mrs Jagrani Minj, aged 59, Sister-in-Law of Fr song is done by Mr Manuel Soren, Videography and Philomen Minj SJ, on 22.06.2020 in Bhopal, Madhya Video Editing Fr Vernard Antony SJ of Xavier Pradesh. Communications Centre (XCC), Johar Campus, Near Fr Marcus Murmu SJ L.I.C., Dumka. (25.04.1957-20.06.202) XCC Johar Video Production: ONLINE SUNDAY MASS IN SANTALI At this time of Covid-19 Lockdown, Xavier Communications Centre (XCC), Johar, Dumka, is serving the Spiritual needs of the faithful of Dumka Diocese by uploading in the YouTube online Sunday Masses in Santali. Since Easter-2020, XCC has uploaded 11 such Masses. Since the viewers for these Online Masses are increasing, X.C.C. will continue uploading these in the YouTube. I thank Fr Christopher Hembrom for coordinating these Online Masses and all the Priests who celebrated Sunday Masses with Fr Marcus Murmu SJ, Parish Priest of Chilimpur devotion helping the people of God to enter into Parish in Dumka Diocese since 2014 and Superior of communion with God through these Online Masses. the Chilimpur Jesuit Dispersed Community, was ailing ( Fr Vernard Antony SJ). and growing thinner for the last one year. At the end Health Bulletin of December 2019, Fr Marcus proceeded to Kolkata Frs Michael Panimegam SJ and Benjamine Tigga for check-up. He was diagnosed with cancer and SJ were brought to AHCC, Kalidanga, Rampurhat, underwent chemo therapy which left him quite weak. on 27 June and they will continue their physiotherapy While in Kolkata, Fr Marcus was in the loving care Dumka-Raiganj Province 5 of infirmarian Br Chintamani SJ in the infirmary of St Xavier’s College of Kolkata. On 14th June, Fr Marcus was brought to Dumka and placed in St Ursula’s Clinic for convalescence, where he was well taken care of. Two days later, his strength began to wane perceptibly. Fr Marcus breathed his last quietly at 12:45 pm on 20 June 2020. Fr Marcus was born on 25 April 1957 in Lotberwa village of the then Dudhani Parish (now Jiajor Parish) in Dumka District of Santal Parganas. He was the last of six children, four boys and two girls. After completing his secondary schooling, Marcus joined the Santal Region of the Society of Jesus at Jisu Jaher, Dudhani on 4 July 1982. He graduated BA from Loyola College, Chennai, did his philosophical studies in DNC, Pune and his theological studies at Tarunoday, and Vidya Jyoti, Delhi. Fr Marcus was ordained priest in St Paul’s Cathedral, Dudhani on 15 April 1997. Fr Marcus loved very much his Santal brothers and sisters and he never tired of working for their integral uplift. Honest in character, committed, responsible and prayerful, he was open, available, and caring for those entrusted to his care. He was a good listener, kind hearted, detached and calm. He was a man of depth in his undertakings and a man for others in his outlook. No wonder he gained the esteem of those who came in contact with him. Right after his ordination, Superiors embarked him on his life-long pastoral ministry. He served as assistant pastor at Mariampahar. From 2000 onwards, he was Parish Priest or Father-In-charge of the Parishes of Tinpahar, Jibonpur, Mariampahar and finally Chilimpur. He was, at the same time, Superior at Mariampahar and Chilimpur. For a number of years, Fr Marcus served as Provincial Consultor and Province Coordinator of the pastoral Apostolate. Fr Marcus will continue to carry forward the interests of his dear people and others with his prayer of intercession. May the Lord admit him into His beatific Vision! (Fr Paul Aquilina SJ). “EK NOMBOR” Farewell to Our Dear Fr Marcus Murmu SJ After a valiant battle with cancer, Fr Marcus Murmu SJ died peacefully at 12:45 pm on 20th June 2020 at St. Ursula Hospital, Dudhani, Dumka. At the time of his passing away, he was surrounded by his family members, some Jesuits, Dr Grace, OSU, the Ursuline hospital staff and friends. Earlier, Fr Marcus was brought to Dumka from Kolkata on 14th June as his health condition deteriorated despite best efforts by the Kolkata doctors. Family members and the Jesuits were informed. Priests, religious and friends began to visit him and pray for him. Many parishioners from Cilimpur too visited him, besides his own community members. The Jesuits took turns to be with him. On Thursday, 18th June, Fr Marcus experienced a lot of pain and was very restless. Fr Provincial Varghese Palli SJ, on seeing his condition, administered to him the Sacrament of the Sick, anointing him with holy oil. On 19th morning Fr J.L. Xavier gave him Holy Communion. Fr Marcus showed some signs of improvement. He looked cheerful. He ate and talked well, recognized the visitors and inquired about their wellbeing with a smile. When one of the visiting nuns told him that he was much better than the previous day, he answered, “Yes, I’ve surrendered myself to God; let His will be done.” A little after midnight, at about 1:30 am, Saturday, Fr Marcus woke up and in a soft voice called out Fr Chandran who was there keeping vigil at his bedside, saying “Noa dhartire tirejuge babon tahen dareak’a; adomko do sulukre menakoa; adomko do besulukre menakoa. Menkhan sanam hor calak’ hoyok’tabona.” (We cannot stay on this earth forever. Some live in peace, others in conflict but one day all have to go). Then in English he said “I might have hurt some people, I am so sorry,” and began crying. It looked that Fr Marcus was now ready to meet his Lord and Saviour Jesus. That same Saturday morning at 7:00 am on 20 June 2020, Fr Chandran brought Holy Communionin both species and Fr Marcus received the Lord reverently. He prayed over Fr Marcus and sang two Santali hymns and left. Later, when Fr Thomas Kavala SJ visited him at 10:00 am, Fr Marcus even asked him whether he got a room to stay. Such was his thoughtfulness! But after 11:00 am he began to sink and finally at 12:45 pm, he surrendered his soul to the Lord! Dumka-Raiganj Province 6 His mortal remains were brought to Jisu Jaher. Fr Murmu’s body lay in state in the Community Chapel for his family and friends to come and pray, paying their last respects to their beloved NAEKE BABA, Fr Marcus Murmu SJ. A Liturgical team headed by Fr Peri Moses SJ arranged several Requiem Masses on 20th and 21st for the convenience of the faithful, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation. We had five Masses on 20th and five more Masses on 21st. At 9:00 am on the 21st Rt. Rev. Julius Marandi DD, Bishop of Dumka, was the main celebrant of the Solemn Funeral Mass with 15 concelebrants. At the start of the Mass Fr Provincial Varghese Palli SJ recalled the various milestones in the brief life of Fr Marcus Murmu SJ and highlighted his commitment for pastoral apostolate. The Bishop Baba effectively told the congregation the importance of the Day’s Mass: 1. A celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ the Victor over death. 2. Remembering with gratitude Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross. By His wounds we are healed. 3. Remembering Fr Marcus, a priest of God who ministered to the people of God very faithfully all through his life. 4. Praying for the repose of his soul through this Mass and sharing the grief of his family members, the Jesuits of Dumka-Raiganj Province and the Dumka Diocese. Fr Ignatius Manjhi SJ after proclaiming the gospel, in his homily recalled his long association with his friend and companion from the candidate days onwards. He said that Fr Marcus was a man of commitment to Christ. He was a pastor throughout his priestly ministry. He served the Province as a Province Consultor and as a Co-ordinator of the Jesuit Pastoral Apostolate. The congregation led by Fr Chandran SJ sang all the hymns in Santali, participating in the Mass with devotion and gratitude to God with tears in their eyes. The entire liturgy was very solemn. Soon after the Mass after the blessing of the mortal remains of Fr Marcus we went in silent procession to the Jesuit Cemetery. Fr Sonatan Kisku, the Vicar General -1, conducted the obsequies at the grave, blessed the grave and Fr Marcus Murmu’s body was interred. We express our gratitude to so many people who looked after Fr Marcus during his final days, beginning with Br Chintamani SJ and his community at St Xavier’s College, Kolkata, his family members and very close friends who visited him and cared for him. Thanks to the Ursuline Sisters and the Doctor Sister Grace, OSU and her dedicated staff, the Bambina Sisters who decorated the coffin, the Scholastics who kept vigil, our Bishop and the priests who celebrated Masses and prayed for Fr Marcus and all others who helped us at this poignant moment in our lives. Fr Marcus accepted his sickness with grace, dignity and hope. He didn’t complain and endured all the pain. He often said: “Candoe badaea, Unigeye boge yin’a.” (God knows everything, does everything for good. He will surely heal me). He hoped to be back soon in Chilimpur so that he could be with his parishioners. He said: “The people in the village are waiting for me. I must be back soon. Parish priest ka matlab hi wahi hai ki wo logon ke sath rahe” (Parish Priest means the priest with his people). And to some other persons he said, “Bes godok’an’ nahak’, alope chintak’a, alope bhabnak’a. Ekdom bhabnak’ge ban jarura. Sab thik hai….Ek Nombor” - His favorite word! (Don’t worry, don’t cry, I will be alright. Don’t be sad at all. Everything is alright. Everything NUMBER ONE!). In the demise of Fr Marcus Murmu, Dumka-Raiganj Province has lost a great Pastor who took pride in being with the parishioners and laboured with them and for them. Fr Cecil Azzopardi SJ writes: “The news of the passing away of Marcus Murmu made me sad for I feel that I miss him. I knew him quite well and since his novitiate days always felt a certain respect towards him. He always came across to me as a very committed person, serious and fully dedicated to his responsibilities. As Novice-master, I had the opportunity to live with the Novices for a month in his house in his village. I am grateful for his gift to the Province and also for his being a Santal. This morning I offered the Mass for his peaceful repose.” Fr Marcus will be solely missed by his friends and all the people he reached out to. May the Lord Grant Him Eternal Rest! ADI MANOT JOHAR, PHADAR MARKUS! ADI AEMA SARHAO! JISU MARAN, NAEKE BABATALE! (Fr Peri Moses SJ). Dumka-Raiganj Province 7